Top iOS Programming Languages for App Development

Apple, a global tech giant, holds a significant share of the mobile device market with the iPhone leading the way, representing 48.7% of smartphones in the United States. The Apple App Store, a thriving marketplace for iOS apps, generates over $640 billion in billings and global sales. This enduring success is rooted in the unwavering brand loyalty of Apple users. Consequently, iOS app development is a lucrative endeavor, and for developers, mastering the right programming languages is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the process of iOS app development and explore the best programming languages for iOS development in 2023.

Understanding iOS App Development The iOS operating system powers a wide range of Apple’s mobile devices, including iPhones and iPads. In 2019, Apple introduced iPadOS, a version tailored specifically for iPads, while the standard iOS continues to run on all iPhone models. When embarking on an iOS app development journey, Apple recommends utilizing its integrated development environment (IDE), Xcode, which facilitates every stage of the development process.

Exploring iOS Development Languages in Xcode

Xcode primarily relies on two iOS development languages: Swift and Objective-C. However, it’s also possible to develop iOS apps in Xcode using alternative languages such as JavaScript with React Native, Dart with Flutter, and C# with MAUI.

The Best iOS Programming Languages in 2023

As you embark on your journey to select the ideal programming language for iOS development, consider your end goals. Are you exclusively targeting Apple’s ecosystem, or do you intend to create cross-platform applications? The choice between native and cross-platform development can significantly impact your decision-making process.

Native iOS Development: Swift

Swift stands as the quintessential choice for native iOS app development. Developed by Apple specifically for its proprietary platforms, Swift offers modernity and agility. This compiled language surpasses interpreted languages like JavaScript and Python in terms of speed, with Apple claiming that Swift is 2.6 times faster than Objective-C and 8.4 times faster than Python. To master Swift, Apple offers free courses and the Swift Playgrounds app, making it accessible to learners. Additionally, online courses like “The Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp” on Udemy can expedite your learning journey.

When to Use Swift: Swift is the ideal choice when developing native iOS apps, especially if you aim to leverage the full spectrum of iPhone features. It also seamlessly integrates with Apple’s legacy Objective-C files, enabling the use of both languages within the same project. Notable iOS apps built with Swift include Lyft, VSCO, and LinkedIn.

Objective-C: The Foundation

Objective-C is Apple’s original programming language and serves as the foundation for MacOS and iOS. Although Swift is gaining prominence, Objective-C remains relevant, especially for maintaining and updating older iOS apps. Notably, many of Apple’s pre-installed apps and iOS itself rely on Objective-C.

When to Use Objective-C: If you require compatibility with older iOS versions or need to work on existing iOS apps, Objective-C is a suitable choice. While it may not be the first choice for new projects, it’s indispensable for preserving Apple’s legacy code.

C# + MAUI: Cross-Platform Excellence

C# is a versatile, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft. It is widely used for cross-platform app development, ranking as the 7th most popular programming language among professional developers in 2022. With the introduction of Microsoft’s .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI) framework, C# becomes a viable option for iOS app development. While you can build C# code on a Windows machine, publishing an iOS app still requires a Mac.

When to Use C# + MAUI: C# shines when you need to launch an app across multiple platforms efficiently. With .NET MAUI, you can develop a single codebase for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, streamlining the development process. Notable apps, like Olo, utilize a core of C# combined with platform-specific code to enhance the user experience.

JavaScript + React Native: Cross-Platform Flexibility

JavaScript, a high-level programming language, finds widespread use in web development, games, mobile apps, and web servers. While JavaScript alone isn’t an iOS coding language, you can employ frameworks like React Native to create iOS apps. React Native bridges the gap by rendering the user interface natively.

When to Use JavaScript + React Native: Opt for JavaScript and React Native when you aim to build cross-platform iOS and Android apps from a single codebase. This approach eliminates the need to learn Swift or Objective-C. Notable apps like Walmart and NerdWallet have successfully employed this method.

Dart + Flutter: Multi-Platform Development

Dart, a type-safe programming language developed by Google, caters to mobile and web app development. Teaming Dart with the Flutter framework offers a single-codebase solution for cross-platform app development. While Dart may not be the top choice for iOS development from scratch, it can save time and money if you possess prior knowledge of Dart and Flutter.

When to Use Dart + Flutter: Consider Dart and Flutter when you already possess proficiency in Dart and the Flutter framework. This combination allows you to create iOS and Android apps from a single codebase. Notable apps like Google Pay and Abbey Road Studios Topline employ Flutter and Dart for cross-platform development.

Choosing the Right Programming Language for iOS

Whether you are dedicated to Apple’s ecosystem or exploring cross-platform possibilities, selecting the appropriate iOS programming language is pivotal. For intricate native iOS apps, Swift and Objective-C remain the top contenders.

However, if versatility and cross-platform development are your priorities, consider languages with broader applications like C# or JavaScript, especially if you are already well-versed in these languages and wish to avoid learning Swift or Objective-C.

Conclusion

With the dominance of the Apple iPhone in the smartphone market, the demand for iOS apps shows no signs of diminishing. This presents a promising opportunity for developers interested in iOS app development in 2023. Whether you are a novice or an experienced developer seeking new challenges, you have a plethora of iOS programming languages to choose from. The decision largely hinges on your current skill set and personal objectives.

For those with no particular allegiance to a language, Swift stands out as a native iOS development language, highly favored by Apple. However, the enduring presence of Objective-C offers an alternative. Alternatively, you can explore third-party approaches like C# + MAUI, JavaScript + React Native, or Dart + Flutter, especially if cross-platform app development aligns with your goals.